Latest Blogs

Read below for blogs and news from within the firm and for insight into the latest developments in family law.

Will the new Family Procedure Rules bring about a sea change in family non-court dispute resolution?

15 May 2024

Associate Solicitor Jelena Korobkova explains the new Family Procedure Rules and explores their potential impact.

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Edward Cooke’s latest article published in The Law Society Gazette

10 April 2024

Read more about Edward’s thought-provoking opinion piece in The Law Society Gazette ‘Time for a revolution in how family solicitors are trained?’.

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Edward Cooke Family Law named Boutique Family Law Firm of the Year 2024 at the British Family Law Awards

29 January 2024

We are delighted to announce two successes at the British Family Law Awards – with the firm named Boutique Family Law Firm of the Year, and Edward being highly commended in the Family Mediator of the Year Award.

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Meet our mediators

26 January 2024

As Family Mediation Week draws to a close today, we introduce our four mediators and share useful resources.

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Next steps following a successful mediation

25 January 2024

As part of our continued support for Family Mediation Week, we set out the next steps following a successful mediation, including outcome documents and implementation.

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Options for managing impasse in mediation

24 January 2024

Lauren Guy explores the options that can be utilised within the mediation process to help you manage an impasse and reach a resolution.

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Hybrid Mediation – a great solution for couples seeking to resolve more complex family issues in mediation

23 January 2024

As part of Family Mediation Week 2024, accredited hybrid mediator Edward Cooke looks at how hybrid mediation works - and how it has widened the scope of cases suitable for family mediation.

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Supporting Family Mediation Week

22 January 2024

We are proud to support Family Mediation Week 22 – 26 January and raise awareness of the benefits it can bring to separating families. Each day we will share useful information on different aspects of family mediation, starting with our Family Mediation Flow Chart.

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Christmas wishes and reflections on 2023

18 December 2023

We look back at 2023 and reflect on a busy year at Edward Cooke Family Law and share our plans for giving back this Christmas.

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Finalists in three categories of British Family Law Awards 2024

30 November 2023

We are thrilled to announce that Edward Cooke and Edward Cooke Family Law have been shortlisted in three categories of the British Family Law Awards 2024.

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Edward Cooke speaks at the 10th Annual Johannesburg Family Law Conference

27 October 2023

Edward Cooke attended the 10th Annual Johannesburg Family Law Conference on 26 and 27 October 2023 where he spoke on the subject “40 years of development in the practice of Family Law in the UK and its international relevance”.

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Edward Cooke and firm ranked in Chambers and Partners 2024

19 October 2023

We are delighted that Edward Cooke and the firm have been ranked in Chambers and Partners 2024.

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Widespread recognition of our firm and lawyers in Legal 500 2024

04 October 2023

Edward Cooke Family Law and four of our lawyers all feature in the 2024 Legal 500 rankings.

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A fresh new look for our website to mark our fifth anniversary

26 September 2023

Our refreshed website features a host of new resources to help guide individuals and families to the best choices for them.

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Who decides who children should live with after separation or divorce?

25 September 2023

Hannah Rogers sets out typical approaches to determining who a child should live with in the event of separation or divorce.

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Do I have to do financial disclosure?

18 September 2023

Unsure of what financial disclosure is and if it is necessary? Solicitor Lucy Attfield sets out what you need to know, to help you enter into financial disclosure with confidence.

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Edward Cooke Family Law marks its fifth anniversary

28 June 2023

The team at Edward Cooke Family Law is delighted to mark our fifth anniversary this June.  

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Consensus: our one couple, one lawyer approach

26 May 2023

We are delighted to offer Consensus, our one couple, one lawyer joint approach for couples wishing to separate amicably.

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Welcoming Family Solicitor Victoria Maxwell to the Team

10 May 2023

We are delighted to welcome Family Solicitor, Victoria Maxwell, who has joined our Chilgrove office.

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Transparency in the Family Courts: Private and Public Children Proceedings

31 January 2023

Everything you need to know about Transparency in the Family Courts and how the new pilot scheme may impact your case.

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Summarising our support of Family Mediation Week 2023

20 January 2023

As the 2023 Family Mediation Week Draws to a close, we wanted to share a summary of the mediation resources we have available on our website.

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Edward Cooke Family Law publishes Family Mediation Flow Chart

19 January 2023

To support couples considering mediation as an approach to resolving issues arising from a relationship breakdown, we have published a useful Family Mediation Flowchart. This new resource outlines the key features of the main mediation models.

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Everything you need to know about mediation

18 January 2023

Lauren Guy, Director, Family Solicitor, Mediator and Collaborative Lawyer, provides a useful summary of everything separating couples need to know about mediation.

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Edward Cooke Family Law are pleased to support Family Mediation Week 2023

16 January 2023

We are proud to announce our support for this week’s annual Family Mediation Week, during which we will provide useful resources and information on all aspects of family mediation.

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Hannah Rogers becomes fourth Resolution-trained mediator at Edward Cooke Family Law

12 January 2023

We are pleased to announce that Hannah Rogers is now offering mediation, further strengthening the firm's family mediation.

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Merry Christmas from the Team at Edward Cooke Family Law

19 December 2022

This Christmas, in place of cards and gifts usually sent at this time of year, we have made a donation to our chosen charity, The Young People’s Shop in Chichester.

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Edward Cooke shortlisted for Child Inclusive Mediator of the Year Award 2022

24 November 2022

We are delighted that Founder and Managing Director Edward Cooke has been shortlisted for a prestigious mediation award.

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Edward Cooke ranked in Chambers and Partners for second year

24 October 2022

Edward Cooke has been named as a Ranked Lawyer for Family and Matrimonial for a second year in the Chambers and Partners directory.

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Edward Cooke Family Law and our three directors are recognised in Legal 500 2023

12 October 2022

Edward Cooke Family Law and our three directors all feature in the 2023 Legal 500 rankings.

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Edward Cooke contributes to Financial Remedies Journal Summer 2022 Issue

07 July 2022

Edward Cooke was delighted to contribute to the Summer 2022 issue of the Financial Remedies Journal. Edward’s article - Mediation in the Wake of WL v HL – Low-Hanging Fruit or Golden Opportunity? – signals the first contribution on the subject of Family Mediation in the journal and explores the role of mediation in today’s strained family justice system.  

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No-fault divorce: your questions answered

19 April 2022

Trainee Solicitor Melanie Arens answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the new no-fault divorce law.

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New no-fault divorce law allows couples to separate more amicably

06 April 2022

6 April 2022 marks the biggest change in divorce laws in the UK for 50 years when the new Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 comes into force.

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Edward Cooke Family Law supports Family Mediation Week 2022

21 January 2022

Edward Cooke Family Law have been delighted to support Family Mediation Week 2022, an annual event run by the Family Mediation Council to raise awareness of family mediation.

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Resolution Good Divorce Week 2021

01 December 2021

Edward Cooke Family Law supports Resolution Good Divorce Week, which aims to kickstart a national conversation about how parents can reduce conflict and embrace a child-focused approach to separation.

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How can I co-parent with my ex? “Parenting through separation”, a new guide for parents

17 November 2021

One of the key questions we encounter when we meet a new client for advice or mediation is: “How can I parent my children with someone I no longer love? Or, in some cases, can’t face even seeing?” Edward Cooke shines a light on a new step-by-step guide from Resolution for all separating parents.

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Edward Cooke Family Law celebrates new ranking in Legal 500 for Family Law

14 October 2021

We are thrilled to announce that we are now ranked as a Leading Firm in Family Law in The Legal 500 2022 and, in addition, that two of our directors are named as Recommended Lawyers.

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Why should I work with a Family Consultant?

19 August 2021

At Edward Cooke Family Law, to support our legal work with our clients, we often suggest they work with Family Consultants. Director and Family Law Specialist, Lauren Guy, and Family Consultant, Kim Crewe, of Separation Options join forces in our latest blog to share the benefits of this approach.

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Director Lauren Guy joins Resolution’s Dispute Resolution Committee

13 August 2021

We are delighted to announce that Edward Cooke Family Law Director Lauren Guy has been appointed to the Dispute Resolution committee of Resolution, the nationwide community of family justice professionals.

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What if we can’t agree on whether to vaccinate our child?

22 July 2021

Following the announcement this week about the extension of the Covid-19 vaccine programme to certain children, Director, Lauren Guy, explores how to navigate a difference of opinion if you cannot agree whether to vaccinate your child.

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Lauren Guy now offers family mediation at our Brighton Office

08 July 2021

We are delighted now to offer Family Mediation as well as Collaborative Law from our Brighton Office.

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Training and learning: The future of family practice

26 May 2021

As Chair of Resolution’s Training and Learning Committee, Edward Cooke looks at how training and learning needs will continue to evolve in view of changes brought about by the pandemic and other developments in family practice.

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What sets us apart as a specialist divorce and family law firm

22 April 2021

As we approach our third anniversary, we share our reflections on what sets us apart as a specialist divorce and family law firm, our modern approach to our work and our commitment to finding constructive solutions for families.

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How the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on the family justice system

03 March 2021

Edward Cooke recently spoke to the Solicitors Journal about current challenges faced by family law professionals, about online and hybrid mediation and the importance of skills training as the profession adapts to a fast-changing environment.

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Edward Cooke Family Law publishes Good Divorce Guide

04 January 2021

An online guide to achieving a ‘good divorce’ is being published today by Edward Cooke Family Law, to help separating couples avoid court, reduce conflict and costs.

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Edward Cooke Family Law opens new Brighton office

04 January 2021

Edward Cooke Family Law are pleased to announce the expansion of their firm as they mark the start of the new year by opening an office in Brighton on 4 January 2021.

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Resolution’s Good Divorce Week 2020. 6 tips for obtaining a “good divorce”

03 December 2020

As part of Resolution’s Good Divorce Week 2020, Edward Cooke, founder of West Sussex-based specialist family law practice Edward Cooke Family Law, looks at how to obtain a “good divorce”

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The introduction of no fault divorce – why is divorce becoming easier to obtain?

30 November 2020

Emily Higlett, paralegal at Edward Cooke Family Law looks at the implication of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill, which passed through parliament earlier this year, and which will lead to “no fault” divorce coming into effect in 2021

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Edward Cooke becomes chair of Resolution’s Training and Learning Committee

17 September 2020

Edward Cooke, Managing Director of Edward Cooke Family Law, a specialist firm of family solicitors and mediators in Sussex and Hampshire, is now Chair of Resolution’s Training and Learning Committee.

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Edward Cooke Family Mediation offers hybrid mediation

09 July 2020

Edward Cooke Family Mediation, part of Chichester-based family law firm Edward Cooke Family Law, is delighted to be able to offer “hybrid mediation” to family law clients as an additional part of its mediation service.

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Helping you navigate separation or divorce in the Covid 19 lockdown

23 April 2020

The Coronavirus Pandemic has affected the whole country on so many levels, but we are very aware that families going through separation are finding the effects of the lockdown particularly challenging.

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Lessons we can learn from 'Marriage Story': Part 2: Lawyers

07 February 2020

In the second of two blogs regarding Oscar nominated film, 'Marriage Story', Edward Cooke reflects on what lessons lawyers can learn from the film.

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Lessons we can learn from 'Marriage Story': Part 1: Clients

05 February 2020

In the first of two blogs regarding Oscar nominated film, 'Marriage Story', Edward Cooke takes a closer look at what lessons can be drawn for people going through a separation or divorce. 

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Edward Cooke Family Law now offers appointments in Petersfield

28 January 2020

We are pleased to now offer appointments in Petersfield, Hampshire, at the Causeway House Business Centre.

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Edward Cooke Family Law expands into Chichester city centre

21 January 2020

We are delighted to announce we have expanded our operations into Chichester city centre.

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Family Mediation Week 2020: The role of a mediator and the benefits of mediation

21 January 2020

As part of Family Mediation Week, solicitor and mediator Michelle Lewis of Edward Cooke Family Law gives a brief outline of the mediation process and its benefits.

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Edward Cooke assesses the proposed child reforms put forward by President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane.

18 December 2019

In a feature for ‘The Review’, Edward Cooke says President of the Family Division’s proposed child reforms are a good start, but the proof will be in the pudding.

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Managing the Christmas period and childcare arrangements

17 December 2019

As we enter the festive season, Solicitor and Mediator Michelle Lewis shares her advice on how separated parents and families can best manage the Christmas period and childcare arrangements.

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What is Collaborative Law and what benefits does it offer?

11 November 2019

Michelle Lewis, Associate Solicitor, Mediator and Collaborative Lawyer at Edward Cooke Family Law provides an overview of Collaborative Law and its benefits. Michelle qualified as a Collaborative Lawyer this year.

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Edward Cooke Family Law marks first birthday

01 July 2019

Edward Cooke Family Law celebrated its first year in business on 25 June 2019 with a specially designed cake! The cake was made by Edward's 15 year old daughter, who is a keen amateur cake maker. Not a bad effort we think!

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No fault divorce law to be introduced by government - a welcome step forward

09 April 2019

The announcement by David Gauke, the Justice Secretary on 9th April 2019 that the government is to bring forward legislation to introduce no-fault divorce is hugely welcome, says Edward Cooke, a Chichester divorce solicitor and family mediator.

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Edward Cooke Family Law supports young musicians

09 April 2019

Edward Cooke Family Law, a family law and mediation practice based in West Sussex, has pledged its support for young musicians by supporting West Sussex Music’s “Musical Chairs” campaign.

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Chichester Divorce Lawyer celebrates Family Law panel accreditation success

09 March 2019

Edward Cooke, a Chichester Family Lawyer and Mediator has been successful in his re-accreditation to the Law Society's Family Law panel

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New family lawyer and mediator joins specialist Chichester family law practice

22 January 2019

Michelle Lewis, a family lawyer and mediator, joins Edward Cooke Family Law near Chichester from a well-known regional firm in Hampshire, as the firm expands its specialist family law practice team

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Child-Inclusive Mediation – The voice of the child on separation and divorce

18 December 2018

In our latest blog, we look at the growth of Child-Inclusive Mediation, a process than enables children's voices to be heard on separation and divorce by their parents in a safe and neutral way, thereby allowing parents to make better-informed decisions about future child arrangements

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Is the introduction of no-fault divorce imminent?

30 July 2018

Edward Cooke, Chichester Family Lawyer and Mediator, reflects on the implications of the Supreme Court judgment in the case of Owens and asks whether the introduction of no-fault divorce is now likely.

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Chichester family lawyer wins prestigious national award

11 July 2018

Edward Cooke, a Chichester family lawyer and mediator has won national recognition for his work to protect access to family justice in the West Sussex area.

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Government accepts ‘strong case’ for no fault divorce

02 July 2018

Widely reported in the media, the recent Supreme Court case of Owens has once again reignited a long-running debate over the introduction of no fault divorce into English law.

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The Split – lessons in how not to handle divorce!

26 June 2018

Recent primetime BBC1 drama ‘The Split’, about a family of central London divorce lawyers, may have been entertaining, but at times it is a text-book case as to how divorce should not be handled

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Niche family law firm launches in West Sussex

25 June 2018

Edward Cooke has set up his own law firm to meet growing demand from clients for a bespoke, discrete, specialist family law service.

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